Question

Adoloscence has sometimes been described as a modern invetion. Traditionally, adoloscence didn't exist as such in many cultures, yet it has become a defying moment in many cultures, particulary Western cultures today. How would you respond to someone who argues that adolescence isn't real since tradtionally young people often took on adult roles and responsibility nearly as soon as they achieved sexual maturity (i.e they could have children)?

Answer 1

Adolescence represents a period of change in human life; from puberty to maturity. Adolescence mainly consists of the dimensions of physical changes, cognitive and emotional changes, moral and sexual changes. But it is difficult to give a crystal clear boundary regarding the beginning and end of adolescence.  For it is not entirely dependent upon the age of an individual.

Adolescence can be interpreted in terms of psychology, biology, sociology, etc. In a common definition, it is the period of changes in the biological and emotional stages of one human being, which enables him or her to adapt to the new phases of life. During adolescence period changes in physique, emotional transitions, changes to sex organs, etc occurs.

The argument that adolescence isn't real can be considered on the ground that prior to and during adolescence stage rapid changes in physical and sexual features occurs, which is commonly known as puberty. Puberty starts with hormone secretion or production which leads to physical and emotional changes including the appearance of secondary sex characteristics. Rapid and vivid changes occur to males and females due to production of certain hormones , which lasts till sexual maturation is accomplished. The argument that suggests adolescence as a mere concept can be considered as a half-cooked theory .For there are strong indications and features which mark the concept of adolescence as a real stage in the life cycle of a human being.Moreover there is no validity for the non existence of adolescence.It is not virtual ,but a real stage in the life.Taking responsibilities and achieving sexual maturity is not enough to prove the non-existence of adolescence;for it is not clearly enclosed in a age frame for everyone .Viz from this age to that age,although can be said generally during an age frame. Yet it differs for each individual ,depending upon the social and cultural situation in which one lives .